AMHERST, N.Y. -- U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand will address the importance of advancing women in sports as featured speaker at Daemen College’s kick-off event for the 30^th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Week to commemorate the extraordinary achievements of girls and women in sports.  

Gillibrand’s discussion before a gathering of Daemen female student-athletes and other invited guests will take place at 10:15 a.m. April 4 in the Premier Center Cabaret at MusicalFare Theatre, located on the college’s campus at 4380 Main St. in Amherst. A question and answer session will follow her presentation.

“I am proud to partner with the students and administration at Daemen College,” said Gillibrand. “As a former student-athlete, I look forward to discussing the positive effect sports can have on students during college and throughout their careers.” 

Also speaking at the event will be Bridget Niland, director of athletics. “We look forward to having Senator Gillibrand speak at Daemen during our weeklong celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports,” said Niland. “This is an important topic as the advancement of women is at an all-time high across all levels of the sports industry, including our hometown Buffalo Bills appointing the first full-time female coach in National Football League history.”  

Hosted by Daemen Athletics, the college’s National Girls and Women in Sports Week activities will honor the Daemen’s female student-athletes, women’s sports programs, and women who have served as positive role models for female athletes. For a complete list of activities, go to daemenwildcats.com.

For 30 years, the National Girls and Women in Sports celebration has empowered women and girls to embrace physical activities and push past their limits in sports and life. This year’s theme is “Leading the Way,” in recognition of individuals and organizations who are on the frontline for girls and women in sports, athletes who have overcome barriers, coaches, and others who serve as positive examples.